During the HeartGold and SoulSilver chapter, Bugsy is seen with [[Chuck]] and [[Falkner]] guarding [[Morty]]'s gym. He later is seen showing Gold the location of the [[Ruins of Alph]]. Gold then leaves him in charge of looking after Lance, who explains the origins of the Pokéathlon before leaving.

Bugsy uses a special multi-[[Poké Ball]] capture net made for him by [[Kurt]].

Bugsy uses a special multi-[[Poké Ball]] capture net made for him by [[Kurt]].

Because of his research on Bug Pokémon, Bugsy's knowledge makes him an authority on them. He even discovered the move Fury Cutter, which is the signature move on his Scyther. This research has led to his given title, "The Walking Bug Pokémon Encyclopedia". He claims to never lose when it comes to Bug Pokémon, but—once defeated by the player—will admit his research isn't yet finished. Upon defeat he will hand out the Hive Badge, and a Bug-type Technical Machine: TM49 (Fury Cutter) in Gold, Silver, and Crystal, and TM89 (U-turn) in HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Like all other Johto and Kanto Gym Leaders, Bugsy will leave his Gym from time to time. Every Thursday, Bugsy travels to Viridian Forest where he will hand out his Pokégear phone number to fellow travelers all day (12am-11:59pm). From here he will progress to the Fighting Dojo and, on Thursday afternoons (12pm-3pm), accept a rematch with a stronger team. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—the days before the tri-weekly Bug-Catching Contest — Bugsy will appear at National Park. On Fridays, he will take photographs with the player and their first Pokémon. Bugsy elects not to compete in the Bug-Catching Contests as he has already won it many times.

Azalea Gym

"I'm Bugsy! I never lose when it comes to Bug-type Pokémon. My research is going to make me an authority on Bug-type Pokémon! Let me demonstrate what I've learned from my studies."

After sending out last Pokémon

"Even though it's my last Pokémon, Bug Pokémon are tough!"

During battle

"Hang in there! Just a little more!"

When defeated

"Aw, that's the end of it..."

After being defeated

"Whoa, amazing! You're an expert on Pokémon! My research isn't complete yet. OK, you win. Take this Badge."

"Do you know the benefits of the Hive Badge? If you have it, Pokémon up to Lv. 30 will obey you, even traded ones. Pokémon that know Cut will be able to use it outside of battle, too. Here, I also want you to have this."

"TM89 contains U-turn. It lets your Pokémon attack, then switch with the next Pokémon in your party. Isn't that great?"

"Bug-type Pokémon are deep. There are many mysteries to explore. Study your top choices thoroughly."

"Yeah, this is Bugsy... What's up? I think I've already mentioned this to you, but did you know I'm doing research on Bug-type Pokémon? There's so many different kinds, it's a bit difficult, you know? I'm just studying Bug-type Pokémon, and yet it's still this difficult. People like Professor Elm and Professor Oak who study all the different types of Pokémon are really something else, you know?"

"Yeah, this is Bugsy... What's up? You know, everyone's really into Bug-type Pokémon when they're kids. But then for some reason, as people grow up, at some point they all start to like Bug-type Pokémon less and less. How about you? Do you still like Bug-type Pokémon? Even if I grow up I'll never stop liking Bug-type Pokémon, no way!"

Calling him:

"Hello! How are you? I'm doing great as usual! There are so many stronger Gym Leaders than me out there. You're trying to visit every Gym around the region, aren't you? That's great! Keep up the good work!"

"Hello! How are you? I'm doing great as usual! On Thursdays around noon, I'm usually free. If you want to see my Bug-type Pokémon again, you should call me then!"

On Thursday afternoons:

"Hello! How are you? I'm doing great as usual! Oh, you called at just the right time! I'm not doing anything right now. Wanna battle again?"

No: "I see... Well, there's no helping that..."

Yes: "All right! See you at the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City!"

"Hello! How are you? I'm doing great as usual! All right, I’ll be waiting for you at the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City! Race you there!"

Pokémon

Spinarak is the first Pokémon Bugsy used in his match against Ash, saying that it's one of his strongest Pokémon in his arsenal. It battled against Cyndaquil and almost won with its String Shot and Poison Sting attacks, since Cyndaquil couldn't get its flame started. Eventually, Ash recalled Cyndaquil and sent out Chikorita instead, despite the type disadvantage. Spinarak and Chikorita kept dodging each other's attacks, until Ash told Chikorita to use Sweet Scent, enabling it to Tackle Spinarak and win the round.

Bugsy's second choice for his battle with Ash was Metapod. Metapod used Harden several times to resist Chikorita's attacks, and then surprised Ash by being able to jump and Tackle Chikorita. Ash decided to use Pikachu, and after dodging many more attacks, Pikachu managed to attack Metapod with Thunderbolt and win.

Scyther proved to be an exceptional fighter as it can hold its own against Fire-types by using Swords Dance to counter fire attacks. Using this technique, it almost defeated Ash's Cyndaquil by deflecting all of its fire attacks. Thanks to Ash's strategy though, Cyndaquil gained the upper hand. Instead of attacking horizontally, it jumped above Scyther and used Flamethrower. Scyther was unable to defend itself from the attack and was knocked out of the battle, allowing Ash to earn the Hive Badge.

At Azalea Gym

Caterpie (multiple)

Bugsy has multiple Caterpie that live in the Azalea Gym; it is unknown if he uses them in Gym battles. One first appeared when it came down from the trees to greet Misty, who has a bug phobia. They later appear when Team Rocket enter the Gym: the Bug Pokémon tie them up with silk. Their latest appearance also involved Team Rocket's infiltration and capture, this time at night.

Bugsy has multiple Metapod that live in the Azalea Gym; it is unknown if he uses them in Gym battles or just uses his stronger Metapod. They briefly appear when Team Rocket enter the building, Metapod and the other Bug Pokémon tie them up with silk. Their latest appearance also involved Team Rocket's infiltration and capture, this time at night.

Bugsy has multiple Weedle and Kakuna that live in the Azalea Gym; it is unknown if he uses them in Gym battles. Multiple Weedle appear briefly when Team Rocket enter the building, tying them up with silk. Their latest appearance also involved Team Rocket's infiltration and capture, this time at night.

Voice actors

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Bugsy in the GSC chapter

In Pokémon Adventures, Bugsy is a ruins explorer. In Into the Unown he meets Gold at the Ruins of Alph, who at first mistakes the Gym Leader for a girl and asks him out on a date. After he reveals he is a boy, he tells Gold that he is looking for his missing companions who were helping him study the ruins. The two of them then run into Team Rocket, and accidentally awaken the Unown. After being cornered by a Spinarak's Spider Web, Gold's Exbo used Smokescreen to get the Unown in the web and take out their anger on Team Rocket. Bugsy then left the cave with his companions, ecstatic about his new discovery.

Bugsy in the HGSS chapter

Bugsy is then seen with more research colleagues before Suicune appears to him. He fails to catch Suicune just like the rest, and it becomes the first Pokémon to break through his capture net. He does discover several inscriptions written in Unown, one saying "Rope Escape" and another saying "Ho-Oh".

During the HeartGold and SoulSilver chapter, Bugsy is seen with Chuck and Falkner guarding Morty's gym. He later is seen showing Gold the location of the Ruins of Alph. Gold then leaves him in charge of looking after Lance, who explains the origins of the Pokéathlon before leaving.

Bugsy uses a special multi-Poké Ball capture net made for him by Kurt.

Pokémon

This listing is of Bugsy's Pokémon in the Pokémon Adventures manga.

Metapod (×2)

Bugsy's two Metapod were first seen in the Ruins of Alph. They were considered Bugsy's closest friends as he tried to hide behind them after Gold mistakes him as a girl. They were seen again battling Suicune and lost.

While Bugsy ran to the Slowpoke Well, he was seen with two Kakuna. Their battle strengths were revealed when they were up against a Suicune. However, Suicune was proven to be the more powerful, and escaped after tearing through Bugsy's capture net.

Bugsy caught two Heracross while in Johto before meeting up with Gold. He used one of them in the tournament between Johto and Kanto Gym Leaders while up against Sabrina. Bugsy called out Heracross after recalling his Scyther. Heracross went up against Sabrina's Mr. Mime. Although Heracross put up a great fight, it was no match against Mr. Mime's special technique that created an invisible room of hardened air.* It was then defeated by a powerful Psybeam.

Given away

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Bugsy in the Golden Boys manga

Bugsy first appears in Let's Aim For The Goal when Gold was watching a basketball game from above. He invites Gold to take part in it as the game celebrates the Ruins of Alph's anniversary. When Gold agreed to take part, Bugsy formed a team with him and allowed Gold to take the prize if they won. They go up against a Firebreather named Takeo. Despite his team having a type-advantage against Bugsy's, Bugsy and Gold were able to defeat him and win the prize (with Gold actually keeping it). During their time in the Ruins of Alph, they hear over the intercom that an incident happened in the Union Cave and Bugsy tells Gold to come with him. They find out that Black is also in the cave, who wants to capture the Lapras in there, no matter what it takes. After the events in the Union Cave, Bugsy reveals to Gold that he is the Leader of the Azalea Gym. Then, he challenges Gold using his Scyther while Gold sent out the Pokémon that Black released while in the Union Cave, a Bayleef. Despite the type-advantage, Scyther lost and Gold was awarded the Hive Badge. Bugsy reunites with Gold in Gold And Black VS. Team Rocket where he and Whitney were at the Tin Tower.

When Gold and Bugsy were having their Gym battle, Bugsy sent out Scyther while Gold sent out Bayleef. Despite Scyther having the type-advantage and Bayleef trying to get over being abandoned from its previous Trainer, Scyther ended up being defeated.

In the TCG

Bugsy's PokémonCards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.

Bugsy is the only Johto Gym Leader that does not have a type advantage on the next Gym Leader. (Falkner trains Flying-type Pokémon, which are strong against Bug-type Pokémon. Meanwhile, Whitney's Normal-type Pokémon are immune to Ghost-type moves of Morty, and so on.)

Bugsy is the only Gym Leader whose signature Pokémon is sent out on the first turn (though this is only in Generation IV), but this is due to the fact that his Scyther now knows U-turn.